Difference between revisions of "Practices"

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"We give only so much
 
"We give only so much
 
methodology as is necessary to aim your mind in the proper direction."
 
methodology as is necessary to aim your mind in the proper direction."
<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 185</ref>
+
<ref>[https://www.stepstoknowledge.com ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 185</ref>
  
"There are specific activities that can be called spiritual practices, but for them to be truly effective and to be truly
+
"Your practice is a gift to the world, for it gives that which you are affirming within yourself."
meaningful, they must be integrated with a more complete approach [addressing the] Four Pillars of
+
<ref name="stk149">[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 149</ref>
life."
 
<ref name="ltw6">''[[Living The Way of Knowledge]]'', Chapter 6</ref>
 
  
"Your practice is a gift to the world, for it gives that which you are affirming within yourself. What you affirm within yourself you affirm for all individuals, in all circumstances, in all worlds and in all dimensions. Thus, you affirm the reality of Knowledge. Thus, you affirm your Ancient Home while you are here."
+
"You will find that regardless of your circumstances, there will be a way for you
<ref name="stk149">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 149</ref>
+
to practice."
 +
<ref name="stk62">[https://www.stepstoknowledge.com ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 62</ref>
  
"You will
 
find that regardless of your circumstances, there will be a way for you
 
to practice this today."
 
<ref name="stk62">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 62</ref>
 
 
==Directives==
 
==Directives==
 +
 +
"There are specific activities that can be called [[Quotes About Spiritual practice|spiritual practice]]s, but for them to be truly effective and to be truly meaningful, they must be integrated with a [[The Four Pillars of life|more complete approach]]."
 +
<ref name="ltw6">''Living The Way of Knowledge'', Chapter 6: [https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-3/living-way-knowledge/spiritual-development-practices The Pillar of Spiritual Development]</ref>
 +
 +
"You must proceed every day. Carry on your practice every day. Reinforce your allegiance to Knowledge every day. Learn to be tolerant and compassionate of others every day. Learn to be tolerant and compassionate with yourself every day. And hold fast to those things you most deeply know, for they are the bricks of your foundation." <ref>''The Journey to a New Life'', Chapter 1: [http://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-1/new-life/the-awakening The Awakening]</ref>
  
 
"Carry forth
 
"Carry forth
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your practice into the world and to allow your world to support your
 
your practice into the world and to allow your world to support your
 
practice. Do not neglect this, for if you neglect this, you but neglect
 
practice. Do not neglect this, for if you neglect this, you but neglect
yourself, your certainty, your fulfillment and your happiness." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 323</ref>
+
yourself, your certainty, your fulfillment and your happiness." <ref>[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 323</ref>
 
 
==Core practices==
 
Regular habits particular to The Way of Knowledge
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Step practice===
 
<big>Following the guidelines in the texts ''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'' and ''[[Steps to Knowledge]] Continuation Training'' for consistent and thorough practice is an efficient initiation into the Way of Knowledge for those who haven't found adequate resource in other traditions. These texts require a three- to five-year [[commitment]] for completion. 
 
</big> 
 
  
"In your deeper
+
==The formal practices of discipline in the Way of Knowledge==
meditations you practice receiving, and in your hourly practices
 
you practice giving."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 329</ref>
 
 
 
"In your hourly remembrances and in your longer meditations
 
in stillness today, allow your efforts to supplement the efforts of others,
 
which will supplement your efforts. Allow the combination of your
 
mutual dedication, then, to be a source of strength which you will
 
experience this day and which will be experienced by those whom
 
you have not yet met in this life."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 232</ref>
 
  
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
===Hourly===
+
===[[Step practice]]===
  
"You will find that there
+
"In taking the steps to Knowledge, you learn how to still the mind, how to listen within yourself and how to discern the voice and the movement of Knowledge from all the other voices in your mind—the voice of your parents, the voice of your teachers, the voice of your culture, the voice of your friends, the voice of your fear, the voice of your desire, the voice of your self-doubt, the voice of your self-criticism—all these other voices that reside within you. And then there is Knowledge."<ref>''The Great Waves of Change'', Chapter 12: [http://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-4/great-waves-change/your-purpose-and-destiny-in-a-changing-world Your Purpose and Destiny in a Changing World]</ref>  
are many situations that you thought were inappropriate for practice
 
where you can practice. In this way, you will find that you have the
 
power to govern your experience to meet your true inclinations, and
 
you will find that any circumstance is an adequate environment for
 
true preparation and self-application.
 
Try to practice each hour. Remain conscious of your time. If
 
an hour is missed, do not worry, but rededicate yourself to practice in
 
the remaining hours as you proceed."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 58</ref>
 
====Suggestions for hourly practice====
 
=====Affirmation=====
 
"Upon the hour think [about today's idea] after you repeat the idea for today."
 
<ref name="stk243">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 243</ref>
 
  
"Repeat [the] affirmation upon the hour and consider it in
+
===Stillness===
light of all things that happen today."
 
<ref name="stk141">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 141</ref>
 
  
"Remember your idea upon the hour and attempt to utilize all
+
"In learning how to still the mind, you must have a focus, you must be in a quiet place, you must be sitting comfortably, and you must have a passive attitude. Four things are required here. Your passive attitude means you are not aggressively trying to make something happen, or to solve problems, or to engage in other kinds of mental activities. You are just there, in a relaxed manner."<ref>''Deepening Your Spiritual Practice'': [https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-3/deepening-your-spiritual-practice/deepening-your-spiritual-practice Deepening Your Spiritual Practice]</ref>
situations that you encounter today for the purpose of reclaiming
 
Knowledge. In this way, you will see that your entire life can be used
 
for practice. As this is done, everything that happens will serve you, and
 
you will feel love towards the world. Your deeper inclinations will
 
spark and encourage the deeper inclinations in others, and thus you
 
will be a force for Knowledge in the world." <ref name="stk316"/>
 
=====Observation=====
 
  
"Upon the hour practice looking and seeing. Check the mental environment. Check how you feel. Check what is going on inside of you, taking this moment to come back to yourself."
+
"The New Message recommends choosing a single-syllable word, a simple word that you will be uttering as you breathe on the exhale, possibly, something like the word “one”, the word “Rahn” from the New Message. Ideally this word wouldn’t have a lot of meaning for you, doesn’t provoke imagery or association. It’s just like the pebble that’s going to be dropped in the pond okay. That’s all it is. It’s something your mind will, in a way, attach to and hopefully stay with until the pebble just disappears, and you just keep going. And if your mind wanders, you just bring it back to this meaningless simple word; that’s all you do. You just gently bring it back."<ref>Patricia Summers presenting the November 15, 2020, session of the 2020 Summit: [https://www.community.newmessage.org/2020-summit-building-your-meditation-practice/#transcript Building Your Meditation Practice]</ref>
<ref name="stkct17">''Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training'', Step 17</ref>
 
  
"Each hour you will
+
===[[Hourly practice]]===
need to check in to see your thoughts and to observe your current
 
behavior.... Each practice period need only take several minutes but
 
should be given your full attention. You need not close your eyes to do
 
this, though if it is appropriate, it will be helpful. You may practice in
 
the middle of a conversation with another. In fact, there are very few
 
circumstances that will prevent this moment of introspection. In
 
practice you simply ask yourself,'How do I feel?' and 'What am I
 
doing now?' That is all. Then feel if there is something you must do
 
that you are not doing. If there are no corrections to be made,
 
continue on with what you are doing. If there are corrections to be
 
made, make them as expediently as possible. Allow your inner guidance
 
to influence you, which it will do if you are not governed by impulses,
 
fear or ambition. Observe yourself this day."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 29</ref>
 
  
[The next] day observe your world, following the same practice
+
"Observe your world without judgment and observe what you are doing in the world without judgment. Then feel if anything needs to be done. Again, your hourly practices take but minutes, and as you practice, they will become more swift, more keen and more effective." <ref>[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 30</ref>
plan as practiced the previous day. Observe your world
 
without judgment and observe what you are doing in the world
 
without judgment.Then feel if anything needs to be done. Again, your
 
hourly practices take but minutes, and as you practice, they will
 
become more swift, more keen and more effective."
 
<ref name="stk30">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 30</ref>
 
  
===Daily===
+
===[[Invocative Language]]===
 
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
====Suggestions for stillness====
 
"Enter into stillness and peace .... Do not petition for answers because you do not need to do this in your meditation practices. Your time now is to practice receiving
 
Knowledge."
 
<ref name="stk243"/>
 
 
 
"Begin by taking three deep breaths and then
 
focusing on an internal point. It may be an imaginary point or it may
 
be a point in your physical body.With eyes closed, simply give this
 
your full attention, without judgment and evaluation. Do not be
 
discouraged if early attempts prove difficult."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 8</ref>
 
 
 
"Practice without the expectation of a result. Do not use this practice to
 
ask any form of question because you are practicing stillness, in which
 
all speculation, all questions and all searching end. For 15 minutes,
 
twice today, practice stillness...."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 9</ref>
 
 
 
"Repeat your idea for the day and enter into
 
stillness .... Allow this to be a day where Knowledge is
 
strengthened."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 269</ref>
 
 
 
"Attempt to give yourself
 
wholeheartedly to your practice."
 
<ref name="stk274"/>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|right|The Great Practices]]
 
=====Invocative language=====
 
  
 
"Enter
 
"Enter
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[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
====Suggestions for contemplation====
+
===[[Contemplation]]===
 
 
"Actively
 
engage your mind in considering the idea for today. Its true meaning
 
is not superficial, and you must investigate it to understand its full
 
value. Do not be complacent with premature conclusions. Do not
 
stand on the outside of Knowledge and attempt to judge it for
 
yourself. Enter into it so that you may be a student today, for you are
 
now a student of Knowledge. You are now giving yourself to the
 
world in your preparation."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 165</ref>
 
  
 
"Actively engage your mind in
 
"Actively engage your mind in
thinking about [the idea for the day]. Let your mind be a useful instrument of
+
thinking about this. Let your mind be a useful instrument of
 
investigation. Once again review all your ideas and beliefs that are
 
investigation. Once again review all your ideas and beliefs that are
 
associated with today’s idea."
 
associated with today’s idea."
 
<ref name="stk310">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 310</ref>
 
<ref name="stk310">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 310</ref>
  
"Engage your mind actively in
+
===[[Steps Review]]===
attempting to understand the depth and the meaning of today’s idea.
 
Recognize objectively all of the feelings and the thoughts that are in
 
favor of it and all of the feelings and the thoughts that are opposed to
 
it. Take special care to recognize any objection that you might have to
 
today’s idea. Then, recognize the power of this idea within your own
 
mind. This will give you a recognition of today’s idea and its true
 
meaning. This will also help enable you to realize objectively the
 
current construction of your mind. This is all part of your education as
 
a student of Knowledge. Give yourself to considering today’s idea and
 
do not be complacent with simple answers and explanations, for
 
today’s idea contains a gift you have not yet experienced."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 230</ref>
 
 
 
"These thinking meditations
 
require mental work. Here you will not be still.You will be
 
investigating. You will be exploring. You will be actively using your
 
mind to penetrate things that you recognize exist there. This is a time
 
for serious introspection. When you realize that what you thought you
 
knew is only a form of imagination, then you will realize your great
 
need for Knowledge."
 
<ref name="stk97">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 97</ref>
 
 
 
"Exploration and analysis [constitute] a useful application of your
 
mind. Think about [the] message and all of your ideas surrounding it,
 
and you will begin to understand your own current belief system. You
 
will be able to understand this objectively. Then, you will be able to
 
work with it, for the mind is fixed in a certain structure until it is
 
utilized for other purposes. Do not accept this structure as your reality,
 
for the outward manifestation of your mind is a structure that you
 
have imposed upon it. Yet, its real inward harmony and nature seek
 
only to be expressed.To enable this to happen you must have an
 
adequate structure in the mind to enable the mind to express itself in
 
the physical world without restraint or distortion."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 127</ref>
 
  
"Practice ... mental application so that you
+
"Beginning with the first day in this two-week period, read the lesson
may learn to think constructively. For when your mind is not still, it
 
should be thinking constructively. It should be investigating. Do not
 
rely upon early conclusions. Do not rely upon self-comforting ideas.
 
Allow yourself to be vulnerable today, for you are only vulnerable to
 
Knowledge. Yet, Knowledge will shield you from all things of harm
 
within this world and will provide a comfort and a stability that the
 
world can never change."
 
<ref name="stk152">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 152</ref>
 
===Weekly===
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
====Steps review====
 
"Review the practices and instructions for the
 
preceding week. Review your progress objectively. Realize
 
how great your learning must be. Your steps now are small, but
 
substantive. Small steps lead you all the way."
 
<ref name="stk84">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 84</ref>
 
 
 
"Review objectively the extent of
 
your involvement and realize the opportunities to give yourself more
 
fully and more completely."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 252</ref>
 
 
 
"Beginning with the first day in [the past] two-week period, read the lesson
 
 
for that day and remember your practice. Continue on in this way to
 
for that day and remember your practice. Continue on in this way to
 
cover all the days in this two-week period, and then attempt to have
 
cover all the days in this two-week period, and then attempt to have
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<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 294</ref>
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 294</ref>
  
"Try to gain an overview of all that has transpired in the past
+
===[[The Four Pillars of life|Four-pillar]] review===
[week or two]. Try to see how you could deepen and improve your
 
practice. Recognize how much time and energy are wasted in
 
ambivalence and idle speculation. Realize how much of your energy is
 
being wasted in doubt and confusion when you need only abide with
 
Knowledge."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 280</ref>
 
 
 
"Review with great emphasis and discrimination. Do not allow
 
yourself to miss the recognition of your learning process."
 
<ref name="stk84"/>
 
 
 
"Be very thorough in your
 
investigation. Begin with the first lesson in the two-week period and
 
follow it day by day. Recognize what happened in your life each day.
 
Try to remember. Try to concentrate here. In this way, you will feel the
 
movement of your own life. It is in recognizing this movement over a
 
period of time and seeing how the stages of your life progress that you
 
will realize that you are firmly on the road to Knowledge. You will
 
then see that there will be less and less behind you to hold you back
 
and that the future will open itself to accommodate you increasingly.
 
This is the beneficence of life bowing before you who are becoming a
 
student of Knowledge."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 266</ref>
 
 
 
"Review the past week of practice, rereading all of the instructions and with each step reviewing what has
 
transpired in your times of practice. Be sure to ask yourself how deeply
 
you were involved in practice—how much you wanted to search and
 
investigate, how carefully you examined your own experience and to
 
what extent you felt motivated to penetrate whatever barriers that
 
might exist."
 
<ref name="stk28">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 28 </ref>
 
 
 
"Be objective and
 
recognize where your practice could have become deeper or more
 
conscientious. Recognize how you still let the world overtake you and
 
how you need to reapply yourself with greater certainty and
 
determination. Do this objectively. Condemnation will only discourage
 
you and will only lead you to quit your participation, for
 
condemnation is simply the decision not to participate and the
 
justification for not participating.
 
Therefore, do not fall into this habit, but view your
 
participation objectively."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 322</ref>
 
 
 
"Refrain from self-judgment
 
if you have not met your expectations. Merely realize what
 
is required to follow the instructions as they are given and involve
 
yourself with them as fully as possible. Remember that you are
 
learning to learn, and remember that you are learning to reclaim your
 
self-worth and your true abilities."
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 56</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
====Four-pillar review====
 
* "Come then [after reviewing the Step lessons of the week] to the first pillar, the Pillar of Relationship, and ask within yourself, 'Is there anything I need to know about any of my relationships?' Ask for a 'Yes' or a 'No' answer. If the answer is 'No,' fine. Yet, if the answer is 'Yes,' seek out who that might be. Maybe it is the relationship that you need to attend to at this moment. Ask yourself, 'Is there something I need to know here?' "Then open yourself to receive what that could be. This may only take a moment, but you must be very present.
 
* "Then go on with the Pillar of Career and Providership, the Pillar that deals with work, money, and contribution in the world. Apply the same process: 'Is there anything I need to know regarding my Career and Providership in the world?' If something comes to mind, ask yourself, 'Is there something I need to know here?" Then open yourself to what that could be.
 
* "Then you go on to the Pillar of Health and ask yourself, 'Is there anything I need to know about my health or about the health of those who are close to me?' If something comes to mind, ask yourself, 'Is there something I need to know here?" If there is, open yourself to it. Face it. Receive it.
 
* "Then go on to your Pillar of Spiritual Advancement and ask yourself, 'Is there something I need to know regarding my spiritual advancement?' And as with all of the other pillars, if  something comes to mind, ask, 'Is there something I need to know here?'"
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training'', Step 14</ref>
 
  
 
"Turn to your Four Pillars Review, once again checking, checking, and checking again to see if there is anything that you need to know, if there is anything
 
"Turn to your Four Pillars Review, once again checking, checking, and checking again to see if there is anything that you need to know, if there is anything
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<ref>''Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training'', Step 63</ref>
 
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training'', Step 63</ref>
  
==Occasional practices==
+
==Active practice in the world==
Practices particular to a time or purpose
+
''Active practice: a particular spiritual practice of your choice undertaken while engaging with your daily activities out in the world, versus the formal practice of meditation, [[Steps to Knowledge]], or a focused contemplation.''<ref>[https://www.community.newmessage.org/the-power-of-knowledge-spiritual-practice-2020/ The June 2020 Study Plan] of the Free School of the New Message from God (registration required)</ref>
  
===Advocacy===
+
===[[Advocacy]]===
  
 
"Return to stillness and silence
 
"Return to stillness and silence
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yourself to be an emissary of Knowledge in the world. This is your
 
yourself to be an emissary of Knowledge in the world. This is your
 
responsibility today."
 
responsibility today."
<ref name="stk288"/>
+
<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 288</ref>
  
 
"In your deeper practices in stillness today, recognize that
 
"In your deeper practices in stillness today, recognize that
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away into imagination. Engage yourself as a student of Knowledge
 
away into imagination. Engage yourself as a student of Knowledge
 
according to the requirements of your preparation, for you are now
 
according to the requirements of your preparation, for you are now
becoming a person of responsibility and a person of power." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 282</ref>
+
becoming a person of responsibility and a person of power." <ref>[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ ''Steps to Knowledge''], Step 282</ref>
  
 
===Community===
 
===Community===
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all manner of encouragement and will banish forever the idea that you
 
all manner of encouragement and will banish forever the idea that you
 
are inadequate to the tasks that are given to you. For your giving is
 
are inadequate to the tasks that are given to you. For your giving is
supplemented by the giving of others, and this represents the Will of
+
supplemented by the giving of others, and this represents the Will of God in the universe."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge]]'', Step 170</ref>
God in the universe."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 170</ref>
 
  
"In your longer practice
+
"Repeat today's idea upon the hour and realize that it is an
periods, engage your mind actively in attempting to understand ... what Spiritual
 
Family really means. Try to understand that it is intrinsic to you. You
 
did not choose it. You are simply born of it. It represents your
 
accomplishment in Knowledge thus far."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 300</ref>
 
 
 
"In your longer meditations attempt to penetrate [the]
 
idea [of one world community]. Do not be complacent here, but actively engage your mind as
 
your mind was meant to be engaged. Try to recognize your own
 
ambivalence about the world becoming one community. Try to
 
recognize your fears and concerns about this. Try to recognize as well
 
your desire for one community and your understanding that this is
 
necessary. Once you take inventory of your own thoughts and feelings
 
concerning today’s idea, you will further understand why the world is
 
in its current predicament. The world has a certain destiny and a
 
certain course to follow, yet it is ambivalent about everything. Thus,
 
the world itself must unlearn ambivalence, as you are now learning to
 
do, and your accomplishments will assist it in its great undertaking, for
 
this is your contribution to the world."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 309</ref>
 
 
 
"Repeat today's idea ['ALONE I CAN DO NOTHING'] upon the hour and realize that it is an
 
 
affirmation of your strength and inclusion in life. In your deeper
 
affirmation of your strength and inclusion in life. In your deeper
 
meditations allow yourself to re-enter the stillness of your sanctuary of
 
meditations allow yourself to re-enter the stillness of your sanctuary of
Line 359: Line 119:
 
you are in true marriage with life and in true union with those who
 
you are in true marriage with life and in true union with those who
 
have come to serve you and guide you and with those who practice
 
have come to serve you and guide you and with those who practice
with you now."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 337</ref>
+
with you now."<ref>''[https://stepstoknowledge.com/ Steps to Knowledge]'', Step 337</ref>
  
"Today's lesson ... holds the key to understanding human relationships. A great deal can be revealed to you if you spend time considering the meaning of [I MUST FIND MY TRUE RELATIONSHIPS IN ORDER TO KNOW MY DIRECTION]. <ref>''Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training'', Step 5</ref>
+
"Today's lesson" ... "holds the key to understanding human relationships. A great deal can be revealed to you if you spend time considering the meaning of today's practice."<ref>''[[Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training]]'', Step 5</ref>
  
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
===Deep evaluation===
+
===[[The Deep Evaluation|Deep evaluation]]===
 
 
"Think for a moment in terms of everything being a
 
relationship.... The next thing to consider is
 
that each of these relationships represents an influence. Each
 
influences you, and you influence them."
 
<ref name="gwc5">[[The Great Waves of Change]], Chapter 5</ref>
 
  
 
"The great evaluation begins with taking stock of where you are now—how you spend your time, your energy, your focus
 
"The great evaluation begins with taking stock of where you are now—how you spend your time, your energy, your focus
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in now that give you a sense of certainty and direction? And
 
in now that give you a sense of certainty and direction? And
 
which relationships cloud that certainty or obstruct it
 
which relationships cloud that certainty or obstruct it
completely? <ref>''[[The Great Waves of Change]]'', Chapter 5: The Deep Evaluation </ref>
+
completely?"<ref name="gwc5">''The Great Waves of Change'', Chapter 5: [https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-4/great-waves-change/the-deep-evaluation The Deep Evaluation]</ref>
  
"As you can see, there are many questions, and these are not
+
===[[Inner listening]]===
all of them. That is why this deep evaluation takes time. It is
 
not something you do in an hour as
 
a process or an exercise. It is not
 
something you spend a weekend
 
thinking about. Instead, it is
 
something you must give yourself to
 
as one of the main priorities of your
 
life, particularly at this time."<ref name="gwc5"/>
 
  
"Begin then with simple things. Review everything that you
+
"When you are out in the world, listen within yourself. Watch the world and listen within yourself. This is a practice you can do almost anywhere. " <ref name="dysp">[http://www.newmessage.org/the-message/other-revelations/deepening-your-spiritual-practice Deepening Your Spiritual Practice (November 1, 2008)]</ref>
own. Everything that you own, even insignificant things, have a
 
value to you of some kind and in a subtle way represent an
 
influence.... Begin, then, to clear out your life, to simplify."<ref name="gwc5"/>
 
  
==Practices addressing human inclinations==
+
===Listening to others===
Topical issues with remedial practices
 
  
===Ambition===
+
"If people would listen to each other, really, without simply reacting, you would have far less misunderstanding, far less violence and far less conflict in the world today. This is a fundamental skill. You must see beyond your judgments and your reactions. You must gain a greater control over your mind, or you will not be able to see, hear and know the truth about anything." <ref> ''The Great Practices,'' [https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/other-revelations/watchtower-paying-attention-world The Watchtower]</ref>
"Allow yourself to be without ambition, for
 
you do not know what to do with Knowledge. In your longer
 
meditations, allow this to free you so that you may enter stillness and
 
leave the world of physical things."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 219</ref>
 
  
"Allow yourself to be
+
===[[The Watchtower]]===
instructed in how to reveal greatness in the world. Realize that the
+
"Look at
world is ambivalent and accept this, for this is the current state of the
+
the world. Listen for its signs. Learn what it is teaching you
world. Realize that you must give with Wisdom and discernment. And
+
and telling you about what is coming."<ref>''The Great Waves of Change'', Chapter 4: [https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-4/great-waves-change/the-freedom-to-move-with-knowledge The Freedom to Move with Knowledge]</ref>
realize that you must let Knowledge give of itself and not try to give
+
==Study practices==
from your own ambition or need to avoid a sense of inadequacy. Allow
 
your giving to be true and your giving will be true."<ref name="stk360">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 360</ref>
 
  
"On two occasions today, spend 15 minutes concentrating upon
+
<blockquote>
the idea for today [I WANT TO BE SEPARATE TO BE UNIQUE]. Think seriously about what this lesson means and
+
"With regard to these revelations, there's a number of ways to begin to engage with them. Initially, there's the experience, perhaps, of just listening, just being like a blank, white sheet of paper and allowing the revelation to strike you. Just like that, just see what strikes you and what drops to the floor that you have to pick up and look at, so to speak. That's one approach.
call upon your own experience to reflect upon its relevance to your
 
life. Reflect upon what your desire for separation has cost you in time,
 
energy and pain."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 13</ref>
 
  
===Ambivalence===
+
Another is, you can listen to the revelation and read it at the same time. Listen to the Voice, read the words. That's another approach.
"Strengthen your conviction that you must escape from
 
ambivalence. Realize the deadly cost of ambivalence. See how it keeps
 
people lost in their ideas, denying their engagement with life. See the
 
human cost around you. It is tremendous. Realize that with certainty
 
everyone will find their rightful place."<ref name="stk274">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 274</ref>
 
  
"Once again realize how ambivalence is still
+
Another approach is to read and recite aloud the revelation, to hear yourself respeak the words in your own voice. That's an important process to engage in."<ref>Patricia Summers on [https://www.community.newmessage.org/the-power-of-knowledge-spiritual-practice-2020/ Deep Reading and Deep Listening], beginning at 11:30. (registration required)</ref></blockquote>
robbing you of inspiration, robbing you of motivation, robbing you of
 
courage and robbing you of relationship."<ref name="stk310"/>
 
  
"In your deeper practice periods, escape your own ambivalence
+
"Out in nature, read a paragraph, be with it, keep moving, stop and read another."<ref name="rs">Reed Summers on the Free School Campfire Chat, [https://www.community.newmessage.org/forums/topic/campfire-chat-transcript-May-2-2020/ May 2, 2020] (registration required)</ref>
and re-enter the sanctuary of Knowledge where in stillness and in
 
peace you can fully experience the power of Knowledge and the truth
 
of your own nature."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 317</ref>
 
  
"Recognize thus far how ambivalent you have been regarding
+
===Mapping a revelation===
your life and regarding this preparation. Realize that for this reason,
 
this preparation has been given to you in very incremental steps, one
 
step at a time, day after day. One step at a time, you learn to develop
 
and to accept your [[Desire and Capacity|desire and capacity]] for [[Knowledge]] and you learn to
 
express Knowledge as well."<ref name="stk360"/>
 
  
"Practice feeling the strength of your own will. Do not let fear
+
"Some questions or criteria that I listen for in these revelations. These are wisdoms that are being communicated. These are admonitions that are being communicated. And I need to hear them. I ''need'' to hear them. I need to realize these questions are being posed either to me or to the world:
and doubt cloud your mind. You need not try to feel the will of
+
::::What must I do? / What must I not do?
God. It is simply there. It only requires your attention for you to
+
::::What is the revelation asking of me?
recognize it. Therefore, practice deeply by simply being present
+
::::What are the specific teachings presented in this revelation?
to this experience."<ref name="stk 43"/>
+
::::What are the promises or possibilities spoken of in this particular revelation?"
 +
<ref>These are just a few of the questions that Patricia Summers uses. More are given in the Free School archives from June 2020, [https://www.community.newmessage.org/the-power-of-knowledge-spiritual-practice-2020/ Deep Reading and Deep Listening starting at 12:45].(registration required)These questions are also archived on the Campfire Chat transcript from [https://www.community.newmessage.org/forums/topic/campfire-chat-transcript-May-2-2020/ May 2, 2020](registration required)</ref>
  
===Anger===
+
===Deep Reading of a Revelation===
"In your deeper practice
 
periods, actively engage your mind in looking at every single thing
 
that you are angry about, from very tiny things that are specific to
 
things in general that upset or discourage you. Remind yourself as you
 
review your inventory of anger that your anger is unjustified. Remind
 
yourself that it calls for the application of Knowledge and that within
 
each angry experience or feeling that you have, there is a seed which
 
is true. Therefore, your anger need not be rejected but cleansed, for in
 
cleansing your anger you will be able to communicate that which you
 
intended to communicate in the beginning where you initially failed.
 
Then your self-expression will be complete, and anger will be no
 
more."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 241</ref>
 
  
===Change===
+
"Read one verse, stop and each be with the actual meaning of this verse, and then move on. It takes about two hours, but is like a slow journey through meaning, not just a jog through words and ideas."<ref name="rs"/>
  
"You are not expected to
+
===Mind-mapping===
take great leaps, yet each small step will seem like a great leap, for it
+
<blockquote>
will give you so much more than you have ever had before. Allow
+
"'Self Knowledge' work ... comprises the other side of the 'Knowledge Coin.' This two sided coin consists of the 'Knowledge-Knowing' side of the coin and the 'Self Knowledge-Self Knowing' side of the coin. I encourage us all to engage in the practice of taking inventory of our minds, with the simple model of noting the
your external life to become rearranged as your [[inner life]] begins to
+
*higher order,  
emerge and to shine its light upon you. Maintain your focus and
+
*mid order and
accept change in your outer life, for it is for your benefit."<ref name="stk84"/>
+
*lower order tendencies,
 +
*activities and thought tendencies of our minds.  
  
"Bear witness to the
+
In the Mental Environment context and on a Self Knowledge level, it is important to be aware of the state and condition of our own minds, especially if someone earnestly asks us “Where are you at?” or “Where you are coming from regarding_____?' we are then in a greater position to respond honestly, if we have been engaging with this important mind-mapping practice. In a mission-based environment, there isn’t the time or resources to expend being confused or befuddled regarding yourself or others. To be able to account for yourself as needed, and if asked, keeps the focus where it needs to be, which is on the core mission. The New Message calls to us to 'do the work.' This is one approach to 'doing the work.'"<ref>Patricia Summers gave more details about her engagement with this topic at the November 18, 2020 Summit session on [https://www.community.newmessage.org/2020-summit-working-with-the-mind/#transcript Working with the Mind] (registration required)</ref></blockquote>
unfoldment of the world....[W]ith your eyes open, gaze upon the world around you. Spend these
 
times alone, gazing upon the world around you. Look without
 
judgment. Feel the world unfolding.You need not try to feel this. You
 
will feel it because it is natural."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 348</ref>
 
  
===Complaining===
+
<blockquote>
"Each hour spend a minute not complaining about the
+
"Mind Management can be a major element in our Pillar of Spiritual Development. Our Mind is such a powerful resource if managed. There is great work to be done in just watching, knowing and redirecting the tendencies or activities of our mind, possible examples:
world. Do not let the hours go by unattended, but be present for
 
practice. Recognize the extent to which others are complaining about
 
the world and how little it gives them and how little it gives the
 
world."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 66</ref>
 
  
"Thank the world ... for what it has
+
;Higher Order Tendencies
given to you.... Do not complain
+
:Experiencing/Practicing the Presence
about this day. Recognize that everything that happens is an
+
:Being still or quiet
opportunity for you to apply your practice and to develop the true
+
:Watching the world and oneself
faculties of your mind."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 180</ref>
+
:Be connected to the environment
 +
:Meditative deeper mind states
 +
:Being present to another
 +
:Studenthood practices
  
===Condemnation===
+
;Mid Order Tendencies
"Allow yourself to repeat ['THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION
+
:Absorbed in Focused Work
FOR FAILING TO RECLAIM KNOWLEDGE'] upon the hour. Come to
+
:Getting things done
this in your longer practice periods in stillness and receptivity. Be
+
:Problem solving – figuring things out
grateful today that your errors have been forgiven. Be grateful today
+
:Acknowledging and being with your Self Talk--acknowledging what you hear yourself saying
that condemnation is not justified. Be grateful today that you have this
 
opportunity to come to Knowledge, which will affirm that which is
 
truest and greatest within you. Be grateful today that there is no
 
justification in denying this, for without guilt and blame you can only
 
receive that which life has to offer you.
 
Let this be a day to celebrate your freedom. Let this be a day
 
to affirm that you are blameless, though you are a student of Knowledge.
 
Let this be a day to affirm that all the problems of the world can be
 
solved without condemnation, for without condemnation all problems
 
in the world will be solved." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 246</ref>
 
  
===Conflict===
+
;Lower Order Tendencies
"Dedicate yourself today to ending war within the world by
+
:Complaint
ending war within yourself so that you may be a peacemaker and a
+
:Chatter
peacekeeper. Upon the hour remind yourself [that 'ENEMIES ARE ONLY FRIENDS
+
:Distraction
WHO HAVE NOT LEARNED TO JOIN'] and
+
:Preoccupation
apply it to the world that you see around you. Apply it to all of the
+
:Being anxious/stressed
conflicts in the world of which you are aware. Try to understand its
 
complete relevancy to these conflicts. This will require that you see
 
these conflicts from a different point of view in order to realize the full
 
impact and meaning of today’s idea. It is this point of view that you
 
must cultivate, for you must learn to see as Knowledge sees, to think as
 
Knowledge thinks and to act as Knowledge acts. All this you will most
 
certainly accomplish as you follow Knowledge each day."<ref name="stk288">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 288</ref>
 
  
===Confusion===
+
;Redirection strategies
"Today
+
:Stillness in the Moment
allow yourself to be confused, for you are confused, and you must
+
:Hourly Check in’s
always begin from where you are. Knowledge is with you. You are free
+
:How am I?
to be confused. In your longer practice periods today, enter into
+
:Do I need to be saying/doing this?
stillness whether you are confused or not, for stillness, grace and peace
+
:Instead of thinking about this, rather I need to think about _____
are always available to you."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 221</ref>
 
  
"Each hour as you look upon the world and all of its
+
There’s so many more. What are they??<ref>Patricia Summers on the [https://www.community.newmessage.org/forums/topic/campfire-chat-transcript-may-21-2022/ May 21, 2022, Campfire Chat]</ref></blockquote>
activities, judge it not, for it is merely confused. If you are in distress
 
today, judge yourself not, for you are merely confused."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 222</ref>
 
  
===Doubt===
+
[[File:Steps-to-knowledge.jpg|right|The Great Practices]]
"PRACTICE ..., and do not let doubt or
+
==References==
confusion dissuade you. Be a true student today. Allow yourself to
+
<references/>
concentrate on your practice. Give yourself to practice. Be a true
 
student today."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 20</ref>
 
  
===Emotions===
+
==See also==
"Repeat ['MY EMOTIONS CANNOT DISSUADE MY KNOWLEDGE'] and then enter into
 
stillness. Today learn to value that which is certain and to understand
 
that which is uncertain, to recognize that which is cause and that
 
which obstructs cause but which may in time serve cause itself."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 89</ref>
 
  
===Error===
+
[https://www.newmessage.org/wiki/Steps_to_Knowledge#How_to_Work_with_Steps Steps to Knowledge: How to Work with Steps]
"In your practice periods review the errors that come to
 
mind as you sit quietly alone, and then see how each one can be
 
utilized to your current benefit. What needs to be learned from them?
 
What must be done that was not done before? What must not be done
 
that was done before? How can these errors be recognized in advance?
 
What were the signs that preceded them and how can such signs be
 
recognized in advance of error in the future?
 
Use these practice periods for this introspective process and
 
when you are done, do not speak of the results to any other person,
 
but allow the investigation to continue naturally, as it naturally will."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 26</ref>
 
  
"Upon each hour of [the] day, repeat to yourself that you wish to
+
[[Advocacy]]
learn from your errors and feel for a moment what this means. Thus,
 
through many periods of practice today, you will begin to understand
 
the statement you are making and will perhaps then perceive how it
 
can be brought about. If you are willing to learn from your errors, you
 
will not be so afraid to recognize them. Then you will wish to
 
understand them, not to deny them, not to bear false witness against
 
them, not to call them by other names, but to admit them for your
 
own benefit. From this recognition, you will be able to assist others in
 
the reclamation of Knowledge, for they too must learn how to learn
 
from their errors."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 73</ref>
 
  
"Examine the qualities
+
[[Contemplation]]
within yourself which aid you in your preparation and the qualities
 
within yourself that make your preparation more difficult. Observe
 
these things objectively. Learn to strengthen those aspects of yourself
 
that encourage and strengthen your participation in the reclamation of
 
Knowledge, and learn to adjust or correct those qualities that interfere."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 77</ref>
 
  
===Failure===
+
[[The Deep Evaluation]]
"Remind yourself [that 'WHEN OTHERS FAIL,
 
I AM REMINDED OF THE NEED FOR KNOWLEDGE'] upon the hour and in your two
 
longer practice periods, actively engage your mind in comprehending
 
this idea. Think of every individual that you think has failed and realize
 
the meaning of today’s lesson in light of those individuals serving you.
 
Realize the need for Knowledge within their lives and within your
 
life."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 245</ref>
 
  
===Fear===
+
[[The Four Pillars of life]]
  
"Evaluate the existence of your fears and remind yourself that your reality is beyond them, but that you must recognize them to understand their damaging presence in your life. Close your eyes and repeat the idea for today [LET ME RECOGNIZE MY FEARS
+
[[Inner listening]]
SO THAT I MAY SEE THE TRUTH BEYOND THEM]; then consider each fear that arises in your mind. Remind yourself that the truth is beyond that specific fear. Allow all fears to arise and be evaluated in this way."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 51</ref>
 
  
"In [two thirty-minute] practice periods today, practice letting
+
[[Guidelines for Living the New Message]]
go of fear so that you may know. Allowing your mind to be still and
 
receptive without making demands will be a [[demonstration]] that you
 
are trusting Knowledge. It will give you reprieve from the afflictions
 
and the animosities of this world. With this, you will begin to see a
 
different world." <ref name="stk87">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 87</ref>
 
  
"Repeat [the] idea for the day [I WILL NOT FOLLOW FEAR WITHIN THE WORLD] upon the hour,  and consider it
+
[[Invocative Language]]
in light of all that you experience today. In your two longer practice
 
periods, apply your mind actively in attempting to understand today’s
 
lesson. Again, this is a form of mental application. We shall not practice
 
stillness and mental silence today but mental application so that you
 
may learn to think constructively. For when your mind is not still, it
 
should be thinking constructively. It should be investigating. Do not
 
rely upon early conclusions. Do not rely upon self-comforting ideas.
 
Allow yourself to be vulnerable today, for you are only vulnerable to
 
Knowledge. Yet, Knowledge will shield you from all things of harm
 
within this world and will provide a comfort and a stability that the
 
world can never change. Learn of this today so that you may be a
 
source of Knowledge within the world so that your Source may
 
express itself through you."<ref name="stk152"/>
 
  
"In ... two meditation practices today, once again enter into
+
[[Practices to release]]
stillness. Today there will be no mental speculation or activity, for the
 
mind will once again come to rest so that it may experience its reality.
 
Let not fear or anxiety dissuade you. Remember, this is your negative
 
imagination only. Only Knowledge can indicate if you are doing
 
something inappropriate, and that will only be in the face of
 
immediate events. You will find that this is quite different from
 
negative imagination and will require a different response from you."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 128</ref>
 
  
"Remind yourself upon the hour not to let fear overtake you.
+
[[Practices to strengthen]]
When you begin to feel its effects, in whatever manner that it exerts
 
its influence upon you, withdraw from it and claim your allegiance to
 
Knowledge. Give your confidence to Knowledge. In your two deeper
 
practice periods today, give yourself to Knowledge. Give your mind
 
and your heart so that you may be strengthened in that certainty
 
where fear can never enter. Your fearlessness in the future must not be
 
born of pretense, but born of your certainty in Knowledge."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 162</ref>
 
  
"Upon the hour abide with Knowledge. Dispel fear and remind
+
[[Recommendations for People Everywhere]]
yourself that Knowledge is with you. Remind yourself that your
 
Teachers are with you. Remind yourself that students everywhere who
 
are involved in the reclamation of Knowledge are with you. In this, the
 
world will become small and you will become great. In your deeper
 
practices, allow yourself the freedom of experiencing Knowledge.
 
Enter the great depth and stillness of the mind, as it immerses itself
 
into the presence of love."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 226</ref>
 
  
"Whenever you enter into fear, practice this day
+
[[Short Quotes About Relationships]]
recognizing that a Greater Power is in the world. Utilize this
 
recognition to bring yourself out of fear by remembering that a
 
Greater Power is in the world and by remembering that a Greater
 
Power is in your life. Think about this on the hour and in your two
 
deeper meditation practices, re-enter your sanctuary where in stillness
 
and in confidence you receive the Greater Power that is in the world.
 
Here you must realize that your preparation requires that you step
 
away from fear and darkness and that you step forward into the light of
 
truth. These two activities will confirm your nature and will betray
 
nothing that is real within you or within the world."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 319</ref>
 
  
===Idealism===
+
[[Spiritual practice]]
"Recognize the extent of
 
your own idealism. Observe carefully what you want yourself to be,
 
what you want your world to be and what you want your relationships
 
to be. Repeat today’s idea and, with eyes closed, examine each of your
 
ideals."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 54</ref>
 
  
"Concentrate on accepting things exactly as they are. You are not
+
[[Step practice]]
condoning violence, conflict or ignorance in doing this. You are merely
 
accepting the conditions that exist so that you may work with them
 
constructively. Without this acceptance, you have no starting place for
 
true engagement. Allow the world to be exactly as it is, for it is this
 
world that you have come to serve."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 55</ref>
 
  
===Judgment===
+
[[Steps Review]]
"Upon the hour repeat ['I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE WORLD'] as you look upon the world.
 
Remind yourself that you do not understand what you see, so you are
 
free to look again.... In your two deeper practice
 
periods today, allow your mind to enter stillness, for without the
 
burden of attempting to justify your fantasies, your mind will naturally
 
seek its true place in service to Knowledge." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 213</ref>
 
  
"Listen to others today so that you may experience yourself in
+
[[Stillness]]
relationship with them, so that their true message to you may be given
 
and comprehended." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 193</ref>
 
  
"Upon the hour repeat [the] statement ['I WILL NOT USE FEAR TO SUPPORT MY JUDGMENTS'] and consider it in
+
[[The Great Practices]]
light of all things that are occurring today. In your two deeper
 
practices, consider the meaning of today’s idea as you think about it
 
carefully. Apply your mind in a state of work as you attempt to
 
penetrate the meaning of today’s lesson. Do not be comforted by
 
premature conclusions. Investigate deeply with your mind in your
 
practice periods. Use your mind actively. Consider many things within
 
yourself while maintaining a concentration on today’s idea."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 151</ref>
 
 
 
"Take a moment and look at the world
 
without judgment. Repeat the affirmation for today and spend a
 
moment looking at the world without judgment. Regardless of what
 
appearance you may see, whether it pleases you or displeases you,
 
whether you find it beautiful or ugly, whether you think it is worthy
 
or unworthy, look at it without judgment."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 60</ref>
 
 
 
===Limitation===
 
 
 
"With your
 
eyes open, concentrate now on your limitations. Recognize them. Do
 
not judge them as good or bad. Simply recognize them. This gives you
 
humility, and in humility you are in a position to receive greatness."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 45</ref>.
 
 
 
"Allow yourself to be
 
limited but without judgment. There is no condemnation. Actively
 
engage your mind in focusing on your limitations. Focus without
 
condemnation. Look objectively. You are meant to be a vehicle for a
 
Greater Reality to express itself in this world. Your vehicle for
 
expression is quite limited, but it is fully adequate to accomplish the
 
task that is yours to accomplish. In accepting its limitations, you can
 
understand its mechanism and learn to work with it constructively.
 
Then it is no longer a limitation but a form of joyful expression for
 
you."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 46</ref>
 
 
 
===Loss===
 
 
 
"In your two 30-minute practice periods, look
 
and see how the truth has served you. Look at experiences that were
 
happy. Look at experiences that were painful. Particularly in painful
 
experiences, look at how the truth has served you. Look openly.
 
Do not defend a former position if you are tempted to do so. If
 
pain still exists from a loss of an earlier time, accept that pain and its
 
discouragement, but try to look and see how you were truly served
 
by that loss.
 
This point of view of being served by your experience is
 
something you must cultivate. It does not justify the experience itself.
 
Understand this. It merely gives you an opportunity to use your
 
experience for your advancement and your empowerment."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 27</ref>
 
 
 
===Self-deception===
 
 
 
"Begin to look more deeply at those things
 
that are forms of obstruction to you. Think of this upon the hour. In
 
your two deeper practice periods, engage your mind actively in
 
attempting to discern specific forms of self-deception and self-obstruction.
 
Do this without condemnation, but with the objectivity that
 
is necessary to view yourself clearly. Do not be dismayed that there are
 
many subtle forms of self-deception. They are merely slight variations
 
upon very simple themes. Their seeming complexity and number are
 
unimportant except that you recognize them."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 228</ref>
 
 
 
===Self-doubt===
 
 
 
"Upon the hour today practice repeating ['I WILL NOT BE AFRAID OF WHAT I KNOW'] and consider its meaning. Upon the hour you will learn to
 
release fear from your life, for Knowledge will dispel all fear, and you
 
will dispel fear to give Knowledge its right to express itself. Trust what
 
you know.... In your two longer practice periods today, practice letting
 
go of fear so that you may know. Allowing your mind to be still and
 
receptive without making demands will be a demonstration that you
 
are trusting Knowledge. It will give you reprieve from the afflictions
 
and the animosities of this world. With this, you will begin to see a
 
different world."<ref name="stk87"/>
 
 
 
===Self-judgment===
 
"As you penetrate your own self-judgment, realize it
 
is born of your fear and based upon assumption." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 262</ref>
 
 
 
===Self-justification===
 
"Upon the hour remind yourself that you do not understand
 
yourself. Free yourself from the burden of justifying your own
 
judgments. Look upon yourself in your deeper meditation practices
 
and remind yourself that you do not understand yourself. Now you are
 
free to enter into stillness, for you are not attempting to use your
 
experience to justify your fantasies about yourself. Here your mind
 
becomes free to be itself, and you become free to appreciate yourself." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 214</ref>
 
 
 
===Self-pity===
 
"Upon the hour, then, repeat [I WILL NOT PITY MYSELF TODAY]. Allow it to enter your
 
mind and consider it for a moment. In your two practice periods,
 
repeat this affirmation and then enter into stillness. No being who is
 
pitiful can enter into silence, for silence is the experience of profound
 
relationship, and stillness is the acceptance of profound love." <ref name="stk123">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 123</ref>
 
 
 
===Social conditioning===
 
"As you practice today, be aware of the many subtle forms of
 
self-pity that you entertain. Be aware of the many subtle forms of
 
manipulation of others as you attempt to make them like or accept
 
you according to a view of yourself that you are attempting to claim."<ref name="stk123"/>
 
 
 
===Suffering===
 
"Upon the hour confirm that you do not want to suffer
 
today and realize the inevitability of your suffering if you attempt to
 
engage yourself in the world without Knowledge."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 293</ref>
 
 
 
==Capacity-strengthening practices==
 
The gifts of The Way of Knowledge
 
 
 
===Acceptance===
 
“I accept my Knowledge as a gift from God. I accept my
 
Teachers as my elder brothers and sisters. I accept my world as a place
 
where Knowledge can be reclaimed and contributed. I accept my past
 
as a demonstration of life without Knowledge. I accept the miracles of
 
my life as a demonstration of the presence of Knowledge and I give
 
myself now to cultivate that which is of the greatest good within
 
myself to be given to the world.”<ref name="stk28"/>
 
 
 
===Awareness===
 
"In stillness, then, practice twice today feeling the power of
 
God. Do not seek for answers from God. You need not speak at all but
 
only be present, for as you learn to be in relationship with that which
 
is the source of all your relationships, the information that you need
 
can come easily to you to guide you, comfort you and correct you
 
when necessary. But first you must feel the power of God, and in this
 
you will find your own strength."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 41</ref>
 
 
 
"Be attentive upon the hour today and have confidence that
 
being attentive will yield its own true results for you.... In your deeper meditation practices be attentive, be present
 
and give yourself in stillness within the sanctuary of Knowledge. You
 
need only be attentive. Judgment is not necessary."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 338</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Beginner's mind===
 
"Three times today spend 10 minute thinking about what
 
Knowledge is, not merely applying your own ideas, not merely
 
applying your past understanding, but thinking about what Knowledge
 
really is."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 1</ref>
 
 
 
===Certainty===
 
"Allow your confidence to dispel fear, doubt and anxiety.
 
Support your efforts today, for they require your support on behalf of a
 
greater certainty that you are now learning to receive."<ref name="stk141"/>
 
 
 
"Spend two ... periods of 15 to 20 minutes in
 
considering what your true foundation may be. Think of all your ideas
 
about this."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 6</ref>
 
 
 
"Practice feeling the presence of God, silently, in stillness. Not
 
thinking about God, not speculating, not wondering, not doubting, but
 
simply feeling."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 38</ref>
 
 
 
===Clarity===
 
"In your two deeper practices return to being with Knowledge,
 
in humility and simplicity, in stillness and in silence. Breathe
 
Knowledge in. Allow Knowledge to enter and fill your body. Allow
 
yourself to be immersed in Knowledge and all things will become
 
clear, for with Knowledge all things become clear and all questions
 
disappear."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 263</ref>
 
 
 
===Competency===
 
"Practice in stillness feeling the
 
power of Knowledge. Do not ask questions. That is not necessary now.
 
Do not argue with yourself about the reality of your pursuit, for that is
 
wasteful and meaningless. You cannot know until you receive, and to
 
receive you must trust your inclination to know.
 
Today be with Knowledge. In your practice periods, let nothing
 
dissuade you. You need only relax and be present."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 50</ref>
 
 
 
===Confirmation===
 
"Silently and in stillness,
 
as you sink into the depths of Knowledge, receive the peace and the
 
confirmation that are your birthright."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 171</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|right|The Great Practices]]
 
===Congruence===
 
"Give your full attention to feeling the truth
 
arising within yourself. Practice in stillness, and do not be discouraged
 
if it is difficult at first. Simply practice and you will proceed.
 
Throughout the day..., without doubt or hesitation,
 
pursue your true goal in life. From this true goal will come all of the
 
important things that you will need to accomplish and the great power
 
of vision and discernment that will allow you to find those individuals
 
that you have come into the world to find."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 18</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Consistency===
 
"PRACTICE CONSISTENTLY. Practice upon the
 
hour, reminding yourself to be consistent. In your two meditations,
 
practice keeping your mind steady and focused, allowing it to settle
 
into itself so that it may experience its own nature. Do not repress
 
what is occurring within you. Do not control what is occurring
 
without. Simply maintain consistency, and all things will find a right
 
balance and relationship to this."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 142</ref>
 
 
 
===Contribution===
 
"Feel your desire to
 
contribute to others.You do not need now to determine what you
 
wish to contribute."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 53</ref>
 
 
 
===Conviction===
 
"Sit quietly with your eyes closed, breathing deeply and
 
regularly, attempting to feel the truth beyond the constant restlessness
 
of your mind. Use your breath to take you deeper, for your breathing
 
will always take you beyond your thoughts if you adhere yourself to it
 
conscientiously. Let nothing distract or dissuade you. If something
 
permeates your mind and you have difficulty releasing it, tell yourself
 
that you will look at it a little later, but that right now you are taking a
 
small vacation from your mind. Practice feeling the truth. Do not
 
think the truth. Practice feeling the truth."<ref name="stk32">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 32</ref>
 
 
 
===Creativity===
 
"In your two meditation practices today, attempt to feel the
 
presence of ... true assistance. In stillness and in silence, feel this
 
within your life and around you. These meditation practices will begin
 
to open a greater sensitivity within you, a whole new sense. You will
 
begin to discern things that are present, even though you cannot see
 
them. You will be able to respond to ideas and information, even
 
though you cannot hear the source of the message yet. This is the
 
actual process in creative thinking, for people receive ideas; they do not
 
create them. You are part of a greater life. Your personal life is the
 
vehicle for its expression. Your individuality, then, becomes more
 
highly cultivated and more joyful, a prison no longer for you, but the
 
form of your joyful expression.
 
True assistance is available to you. Practice this day feeling its
 
abiding presence in your life."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 48</ref>
 
 
 
===Decision making===
 
 
 
"In your two longer meditation practices today, using the
 
word RAHN, enter deeply into Knowledge. Enter deeply into the
 
presence of life. Enter deeply into this experience. Continue to direct
 
your mind towards this accomplishment. Continue to set aside
 
anything that affects you or holds you back. In this way, you train the
 
mind and prepare it as well for that which is most natural to it to
 
occur.
 
Follow Knowledge this day. If Knowledge indicates something
 
and you are very certain about this, follow it and be observant. See
 
what happens and try to learn to distinguish Knowledge from your
 
impulses, your wishes, your fears and your avoidances."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 176</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Detached observation===
 
 
 
"Practice looking upon
 
one simple mundane object. Do not take your eyes off of that object,
 
but look and practice looking very conscientiously. You are not trying
 
to see anything. You are simply looking with an open mind. When the
 
mind is open, it experiences its own depth, and it experiences the
 
depth of what it is perceiving.
 
Choose one simple object that has very little meaning for
 
you and gaze upon it twice today for at least 15 minutes. Allow your
 
mind to become very still. Breathe deeply and regularly as you gaze
 
upon this object. Allow your mind to settle down into itself."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 19</ref>
 
 
 
===Determination===
 
 
 
"Try to see in your observations of others how captivating the world is and how captivating the mind is. Ultimately, the only thing that can keep you from Knowledge is the mind. It may seem like the world is dominating you, but in reality it is the mind. Observe this. You will not have to look far. It is all around you. You can look at your own experience to see how close at hand this is and how important it is for you to be present wherever you are and with whatever you are doing."<ref name="stkct17"/>
 
 
 
===Direction===
 
"Your Teachers love you, surround you and
 
support you, for you are emerging into Knowledge. This calls them to
 
your side. You are one of the few who has the promise and the
 
opportunity to emerge from the sleep of your own imagination into
 
the grace of Reality.
 
Therefore, in your two practice periods today, feel this love,
 
support and direction. It is a feeling. It is not ideas. It is a feeling. It is
 
something you must feel. Love is something you must feel to know.
 
You are indeed loved, surrounded and supported by your Teachers, and
 
you are very worthy of their great gift to you."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 23</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Discernment===
 
"In your longer practice periods, engage yourself ...
 
with attempting to comprehend today’s lesson. Do not be happy with
 
false assumptions. Consider all thoughts and feelings in favor of or
 
against today’s idea [I MUST LEARN TO GIVE WITH DISCERNMENT]. Begin to observe your own ambitions. Begin to
 
observe how they are born of your fears. Begin to discern how simple
 
it is to follow Knowledge. With simplicity comes power. You must
 
learn discernment. Learning this will take time. In this, you learn to
 
utilize all experiences for good, for no experience should be
 
condemned. It should always be used for learning and preparation. In
 
this way, you will not justify error, but use it for your own
 
development and for the advancement of the world."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 261</ref>
 
 
 
===Fearlessness===
 
"In silent meditation,
 
practice feeling the strength of your own will. Do not let fear and
 
doubt cloud your mind. You need not try to feel the will of God. It is
 
simply there. It only requires your attention for you to recognize it.
 
Therefore, practice deeply by simply being present to this experience."<ref name="stk 43">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 43</ref>
 
 
 
===Fire===
 
"Wherever you go, whatever you do, the fire of
 
Knowledge is burning within you. Feel it burning. Upon
 
the hour feel it burning. Regardless of what you see and what you
 
think, feel the fire of Knowledge burning.... In your two deeper practice periods re-enter the fire of Knowledge in
 
the sanctuary of Knowledge. Remember that this fire will comfort you
 
and release you."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 335</ref>
 
 
 
===Freedom===
 
"Receive the source
 
of your Knowledge. Remind yourself that you are free to do this.
 
Regardless of fear or anxiety, regardless of any sense of guilt or shame,
 
allow yourself to receive the source of your Knowledge."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 52</ref>
 
 
 
"Upon the hour repeat today's idea [FREEDOM IS WITH ME] and take a moment to feel
 
that freedom is with you. As you come closer to freedom throughout
 
the day, you will be able to recognize more and more clearly what
 
holds you back. You will realize that it is but your adherence to your
 
own thoughts that holds you back. It is your interest in your own
 
imagination that holds you back. This will lighten your burden, and
 
you will realize that a true choice is available. This realization will give
 
you the strength to come to freedom today.
 
In your two deep meditation practices, repeat today’s idea and
 
attempt to allow your mind to be still, which is the beginning of its
 
freedom. This practice in stillness will enable your mind to shake loose
 
the chains that bind it."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 57</ref>
 
 
 
===Fulfillment===
 
"Upon the hour today, repeat today’s idea ['I DO NOT KNOW WHAT FULFILLMENT IS'] and
 
consider it seriously in view of yourself and the world around you.
 
Today, in your two long practice periods, once again spend time
 
seriously considering this idea. Remember to think of your own life in
 
these practice periods and apply today’s idea to the plans that you are
 
aware of concerning your own fulfillment. These thinking meditations
 
require mental work. Here you will not be still. You will be
 
investigating. You will be exploring. You will be actively using your
 
mind to penetrate things that you recognize exist there. This is a time
 
for serious introspection. When you realize that what you thought you
 
knew is only a form of imagination, then you will realize your great
 
need for Knowledge."<ref name="stk97"/>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Giving===
 
"Upon the hour, give yourself in each circumstance in which you find yourself. Do not come begging for ideas or information, but come to receive and come to give. As you give yourself, you will receive and in this you will learn the ancient law that to give is to receive. This must be born completely in your experience so that you may fully comprehend its meaning and its application in the world."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 148</ref>
 
 
 
"Your practice is a gift to the world, for it gives that which you are affirming within yourself.What you affirm within yourself you affirm for all individuals, in all circumstances, in all worlds and in all dimensions.Thus, you affirm the reality of Knowledge.Thus, you affirm your Ancient Home while you are here. Upon the hour, give to the world through your practice of giving. Remind yourself of this. In your two longer practice periods, give yourself completely into stillness and silence. Give of your heart and give of your mind. Give all that you realize you can give, for this is a gift to the world.Though you cannot as yet see the result, have confidence that this giving will extend beyond your own mind and will touch all minds in the universe, for all minds are truly joined in reality." <ref name="stk149"/>
 
 
 
===Gratitude===
 
 
 
"Today in your two deep practice periods, you are asked to
 
think of those people who have given to you, to think of them and
 
nothing else during your period of practice. You are asked to consider
 
very deeply what they have done for you. With those with whom you
 
are angry and upset, try to see how they, too, have given service to you
 
in the reclamation of Knowledge. Do not bear false witness against
 
your feelings, but in spite of your feelings towards them, if there are ill
 
feelings, attempt also to recognize their service to you.... Allow your two practice periods to be quite focused. Concentrate. Use the power of your mind. Think of those individuals
 
who have served you. If individuals come to mind whom you had not
 
considered having served you, think how they have served you as well.
 
Let this day be a day of recognition. Let this be a day of restitution."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 86</ref>
 
 
 
"Upon the hour, then, repeat this statement [I WILL REMEMBER THOSE
 
WHO HAVE GIVEN TO ME TODAY] and take a
 
moment to recall those who have given to you. Try to think very
 
carefully of the individuals who have given benefit to you, both by
 
demonstrating their Wisdom and their error. Think of those who have
 
illustrated the way to go and the way not to go. As you inquire further
 
into this in your two longer practice periods today, try to think more
 
carefully and allow any individual who comes to mind to be the
 
subject of your investigation. This is an active practice time in your
 
meditation periods."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 178</ref>
 
 
 
===Greatness===
 
 
 
"Take this idea with you [that KNOWLEDGE IS MORE POWERFUL THAN I REALIZE] and practice it upon the hour. Keep it in mind throughout the day. In your two longer practice
 
periods, allow yourself to experience the depth of Knowledge. Feel the
 
power of Knowledge. Strengthen your resolve to do so. Dedicate your
 
self-discipline, for here self-discipline is wisely employed. Knowledge is
 
greater than you realize. Therefore, you must learn to receive its
 
greatness."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 195</ref>
 
 
 
===Guidance===
 
"Spend at least 15 minutes thinking of all the ways
 
to gain access to Knowledge. Write down on a piece of paper all the
 
ways to get to Knowledge. Spend both practice periods doing this and
 
exhaust all the possibilities that you can think of. Try to be very
 
specific. Use your imagination, but chart out routes that appear to be
 
quite real and meaningful to you. In this way, you will know what you
 
think about how to find a way to Knowledge, and from this you will
 
realize that God knows the way to Knowledge."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 37</ref>
 
 
 
===Honor===
 
"Upon the hour repeat ['I AM HONORED BY GOD'] and consider it
 
seriously. In your two practice periods, allow your mind once again to
 
be still and receptive so that you may learn to receive the honor that
 
God has for you."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 103</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Inner listening===
 
"[In] one practice today of 45 minutes ... listen without judgment of
 
yourself, even if the content of your thoughts is disturbing. Even if the
 
content of your thoughts is disagreeable, you must listen without
 
judgment to allow your mind to open."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 15</ref>
 
 
 
"Listen for deeper inclinations.
 
Again you must listen without judgment. You must not edit anything.
 
You must listen deeply so that you may learn to hear."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 16</ref>
 
 
 
"In ... three 15-minute practice periods, practice
 
listening to the truth, trying to listen beyond the mind and emotions.
 
Again do not be concerned if all you hear is the rushing about of your
 
own thoughts.... [T]his day
 
practice listening, taking these practice periods to devote yourself so
 
that you may feel the truth arising within you.<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 17</ref>
 
 
 
===Insight===
 
"Observe your world
 
without judgment and observe what you are doing in the world
 
without judgment. Then feel if anything needs to be done. View the world without judgment, for this
 
will enable you to see the world as it really is." <ref name="stk30"/>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Intercession===
 
"Think of someone in need and then give them a quality that you wish to receive yourself. Send that individual that quality. Send them love or strength or faith or encouragement or determination or [[surrender]] or acceptance or self-discipline—whatever they need to bring about resolution in their lives.”<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 121</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|right|The Great Practices]]
 
 
 
===Listening===
 
"Upon each hour practice
 
listening to the world around you and the world within. Repeat the
 
affirmation [TODAY I WILL LEARN TO LISTEN TO LIFE] and then practice this. It only takes a moment." <ref name="stk62"/>
 
 
 
===Love===
 
"Each hour today as you look upon the world, recognize that
 
love within you will speak for itself."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 61</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Objectivity===
 
"Today ask yourself what you really know and distinguish
 
what you know from what you think or hope for or want for
 
yourself or your world, what you are afraid of, what you believe in,
 
what you cherish and what you value. Distinguish this question from
 
all such orientations to the very best of your ability and ask yourself,
 
'What do I really know?'"<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 3</ref>
 
 
 
"Today in ... three brief practice periods, in which you
 
devote your total attention to examining your assumptions, think
 
about the things you really think you know, including things that you
 
have not thought to question before—things that you think you know."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 4</ref>
 
 
 
"In ... three practice periods today, think
 
about this statement [I BELIEVE WHAT I WANT TO BELIEVE]. Examine what you believe and then examine
 
what you want."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 5</ref>
 
 
 
===Patience===
 
"Practice ... affirming that you will learn to be
 
patient and that you will become observant of your life rather than
 
critical of your life. Affirm that you will become objective about your
 
abilities and your circumstances so that you may apply a greater
 
certainty to them."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 59</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
 
 
===Peace===
 
 
 
"Practice stillness. Simply receive this stillness, this gift, this reprieve, the luxury of peace where no problems have to be solved and nothing has to be contemplated or corrected. Do not see this as an effort, but as a gift."  <ref>''Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training'', Step 2</ref>
 
 
 
===Penetration===
 
"Concentrate in
 
meditation upon feeling the presence of your Spiritual Teachers. This is
 
not something you have to try to do. It simply means relaxing,
 
breathing and allowing your mind to open."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge''e, Step 36</ref>
 
 
 
===Perspective===
 
"Begin by acknowledging to
 
yourself that you are a beginning student of Knowledge and by
 
reminding yourself to make no premature conclusions either about this
 
curriculum or about your abilities as a student. Such judgments are
 
premature and rarely reflect the truth in any way. They are usually a
 
form of self-discouragement and thus serve no worthy purpose at all.
 
After declaring ['I AM A BEGINNING STUDENT OF KNOWLEDGE'] to yourself and reminding
 
yourself not to judge, practice 15 minutes of inner stillness in your two
 
practice periods. Attempt to feel the truth within you. Focus your
 
mind on one point, either a physical point or an imaginary point if
 
necessary. Let everything settle down inside. Let yourself become as
 
quiet as possible, and do not be discouraged if there is difficulty.' <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 34</ref>
 
 
 
===Poise===
 
"Today think about
 
where you are. If you are not with Knowledge, where are you?
 
Therefore, three times today, 10 minutes each, think about where you
 
are, not just physically or geographically, but where you are in terms of
 
your awareness of yourself in the world. Think very, very carefully. Do
 
not allow your mind to distract you from this orientation."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 2</ref>
 
 
 
===Potency===
 
"Know that all of your efforts on behalf of Knowledge are
 
supplemented by those who practice with you—those whom you can
 
see and those whom you cannot see. In your deeper practices allow
 
your own self-discipline, which prepares you to enter into stillness and
 
peace, to be supplemented as well."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 233</ref> 
 
 
 
===Power of God===
 
"Once again enter into stillness and allow yourself to feel the power of
 
God. Utilize your own power to direct your mind, and do not let
 
doubts or fears dissuade you. The power of God represents the mystery
 
of your life, for it represents the power that you have brought with you
 
from God to be utilized properly in the world according to the
 
Greater Plan. Allow yourself, then, to enter into practice with
 
dedication, with simplicity and with humility so that you may feel the
 
power of God."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 39</ref>
 
 
 
"You do not
 
need to conjure up magical images, for this power is something that
 
you can feel, for it is everywhere." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 40</ref>
 
 
 
"Do not seek for answers from God. You need not speak at all but
 
only be present, for as you learn to be in relationship with that which
 
is the source of all your relationships, the information that you need
 
can come easily to you to guide you, comfort you and correct you
 
when necessary. But first you must feel the power of God, and in this
 
you will find your own strength."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 41</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Presence===
 
"Feel the presence of your teachers today who abide with
 
you and oversee your preparation as a student of Knowledge.
 
Feel their presence today and you will feel your own presence, for you
 
are joined together in this presence that you feel. Remember that you
 
are not alone, and you will not become isolated in your own thoughts.... Allow yourself to
 
experience the presence of love, which is the presence of Knowledge,
 
which is the presence of Wisdom, which is the presence of certainty,
 
which is the source of your purpose, meaning and direction in the
 
world and which contains for you your calling in the world. Come
 
into the proximity and into the experience of this presence in your
 
deeper meditations. Do not neglect this, for here you will experience
 
self-love, self-worth and true inclusion in life.Take this presence with
 
you today and receive this presence in your deeper meditations, and
 
you will know that the presence is with you every day."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 333</ref> 
 
 
 
"Practice remembering this upon the hour by once again
 
concentrating on the presence that is with you. You need only relax to
 
feel it, for it is most certainly with you. In your deeper practices, once
 
again enter stillness in the sanctuary of Knowledge so that you may
 
receive this presence and the great confirmation and comfort that it
 
gives to you. Allow yourself to leave self-doubt and the sense of
 
unworthiness aside, for these things will be consumed in the fire of
 
Knowledge and purified from your mind. When this is done, you will
 
not need to give yourself grandiose ideas of yourself. You will not need
 
to misrepresent yourself in the attempt to escape your sense of guilt
 
and inadequacy, for guilt and inadequacy are consumed in the fire of
 
Knowledge. Therefore, bring all that obstructs your participation and
 
all fears that haunt and oppress you to the fire of Knowledge so that
 
they may be consumed. You will sit in front of this fire, and you will
 
see them being consumed, and you will feel your mind being bathed
 
and cleansed in the loving fire of Knowledge. The presence is with you
 
every day. The fire of Knowledge is with you every day."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 334</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Purpose===
 
"In your deeper practice periods today, actively
 
engage your mind to review all of your small personal problems.
 
Review all of the things you think hold you back and all of the things
 
you think you must resolve for yourself. As you look at each one
 
objectively, without denial, remember and remind yourself that a
 
greater calling is given you which will correct these things or make
 
their correction unnecessary. Remind yourself that Knowledge will
 
provide correction at all levels as your life becomes uniform and
 
directed, as your Knowledge begins to emerge and as your true sense
 
of self begins to be recognized and received."<ref name="stk312">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 312</ref>
 
 
 
"Upon the hour remind yourself not to define your purpose,
 
and begin to think of the cost of doing so in terms of your own past
 
experience."<ref name="stk134"/>
 
 
 
"Dwell upon the idea
 
that there is a great mission that you have in life. Think about this. Do
 
not become immediately convinced by your own first responses. Think
 
about it carefully. Think what this could mean. Think of the moments
 
in your life when you have thought of this before or have entertained
 
its possibility. In your two practice periods, you will have an
 
opportunity then to consider this, but beware—make no conclusions
 
yet."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 33</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Receiving===
 
 
 
"You are learning now to receive. The world blesses you as you learn to receive, for Knowledge will flow into you as you become an open receptacle for Knowledge. And you will draw that which is life into yourself, for life is always attracted to those who give. Understand this in its full depth today as you remind yourself upon the hour that life gives to you as you are still. In your two meditation practices, enter stillness once again and feel life being drawn into you. This is a natural attraction. As your giving and stillness become greater, you will feel life being drawn into you, for you will in time become a source of nourishment for life." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 155</ref>
 
 
 
===Redemption===
 
 
 
"Feel your desire to see a different
 
world. Look at the world without judgment and say to yourself, 'I
 
wish to see a different world.' Do this every hour. Try not to miss any
 
practice sessions. Practice no matter how you feel, no matter what is
 
occurring."<ref name="stk31">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 31</ref>
 
 
 
===Resolution===
 
"What are the behaviors that you engage in now that are not in keeping with your values or your sense of integrity?  Write these down and really focus upon them.  And see what kind of behaviors or activities can replace these things that would be in keeping with your values and sense of integrity." <ref>Freedom from Addiction and Obsession (January 23, 2009)</ref>
 
 
 
===Release===
 
"In silence and in
 
stillness, attempt to feel your own strength. Do not let thoughts alone
 
dissuade you, for fears and doubts are only thoughts—vaporous things
 
that cross your mind like clouds. Beyond the clouds of your mind is
 
the great universe of Knowledge. Therefore, do not let the clouds
 
obstruct your view of the stars beyond."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 44</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Self-awareness===
 
 
 
"Each hour you will
 
need to check in to see your thoughts and to observe your current
 
behavior.... Each practice period need only take several minutes but
 
should be given your full attention. You need not close your eyes to do
 
this, though if it is appropriate, it will be helpful. You may practice in
 
the middle of a conversation with another. In fact, there are very few
 
circumstances that will prevent this moment of introspection. In
 
practice you simply ask yourself, 'How do I feel?' and 'What am I
 
doing now?' That is all. Then feel if there is something you must do
 
that you are not doing. If there are no corrections to be made,
 
continue on with what you are doing. If there are corrections to be
 
made, make them as expediently as possible. Allow your inner guidance
 
to influence you, which it will do if you are not governed by impulses,
 
fear or ambition. Observe yourself this day."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 29</ref>
 
 
 
===Self-trust===
 
"In stillness take
 
refuge in the temple of Knowledge within you. Attempt here to be
 
still and simply feel the power of Knowledge in your life. Bring not
 
your questions, for they will be answered by Knowledge as it emerges
 
within you. Come in openness, seeking relief, seeking comfort, seeking
 
power and seeking certainty. These you will experience because these
 
emanate from the essence of Knowledge within you. Let this day be a
 
day of self-trust and therefore a day of self-love."<ref name="stk316">''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 316</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Simplicity===
 
"In your two deeper practice periods, abide with Knowledge.
 
Do not attempt to answer your problems, but simply be still and
 
receptive. Knowledge is aware of what things must be addressed and
 
will cast its influence upon you so that you may respond to it and
 
follow its direction. Without continual interference from you, the
 
obvious will arise, and you will learn what to do step by step. Thus it is
 
that you will realize there is a simple answer for all problems that face
 
you."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 267</ref>
 
 
 
===Strength===
 
"Today, in two 15-minute practices, feel the presence of
 
the Teachers of God. You cannot yet see them with your eyes, and you
 
cannot yet hear them with your ears because these faculties of sense
 
have not been refined sufficiently yet, but you can feel their presence,
 
for their presence surrounds and protects you. In your practice, let not
 
other thoughts interfere. Do not give in to doubt or confusion, for you
 
must prepare to have the reward that you seek, and you must know
 
that you are not alone in the world to have the strength, the
 
confidence and the resource of Wisdom necessary to achieve that
 
which you were sent here to achieve."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 22</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:NMFG Logo PRACTICE.jpg|left|The Great Practices]]
 
===Teachability===
 
 
 
"With your eyes closed in
 
meditation, consider why you need a Teacher. Observe any thoughts
 
that seem to indicate that you could do it on your own if you were
 
smart enough or strong enough or met some other qualification. If these expectations arise, recognize them for what they are. They are
 
an insistence that you remain ignorant by proclaiming yourself an
 
adequate instructor. You cannot teach yourself what you do not know,
 
and the attempt to do so merely recirculates old information and binds
 
you closer to where you are now.
 
Therefore, in practice today recognize your need for true
 
instruction and your resistance, if it is there, to the presence of true
 
instruction which is available to you now."<ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 47</ref>
 
 
 
===Truth===
 
"In ... two longer practice periods, each of a 30-minute
 
duration, sit quietly with your eyes closed, breathing deeply and
 
regularly, attempting to feel the truth beyond the constant restlessness
 
of your mind. Use your breath to take you deeper, for your breathing
 
will always take you beyond your thoughts if you adhere yourself to it
 
conscientiously. Let nothing distract or dissuade you. If something
 
permeates your mind and you have difficulty releasing it, tell yourself
 
that you will look at it a little later, but that right now you are taking a
 
small vacation from your mind. Practice feeling the truth. Do not
 
think the truth. Practice feeling the truth."<ref name="stk32"/>
 
 
 
===Vision===
 
"Today upon each hour, feel your desire to see a different
 
world. Look at the world without judgment and say to yourself, 'I
 
wish to see a different world.' Do this every hour. Try not to miss any
 
practice sessions. Practice no matter how you feel, no matter what is
 
occurring.... Practice this day looking
 
without judgment and feeling as you look."<ref name="stk31"/>
 
 
 
===Worth===
 
"In your two practice periods today, practice receiving once
 
again the love, support and direction of your Teachers, and if any
 
thought obstructs this, if any feeling prevents this, remind yourself of
 
your great worthiness. You are worthy not for what you have done in
 
the world. You are worthy for who you are, where you have come
 
from and where you are going." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 24</ref>
 
 
 
"Practice feeling this relationship.
 
Again you are asked to receive because you must receive this to give it.
 
Once it is received, it will give of itself naturally. In the process of this
 
your worth is re-established because it is quite apparent. You do not
 
need to misrepresent yourself or your experience. To share a great love
 
honestly means you must be experiencing it. It is this experience that
 
we wish to give you today." <ref>''Steps to Knowledge'', Step 25</ref>
 
 
 
[[File:Steps-to-knowledge.jpg|right|The Great Practices]]
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
  
 
==Further study==
 
==Further study==
*[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/Our_Practices__Worldwide_Community_of_the_New_Message_from_God.html The Great Practices]
+
*[https://www.newmessage.org/worldwide-community/our-practice-worldwide-community-of-the-new-message-god The Great Practices]
  
*[http://www.newmessage.org/nmfg/How_We_Live__Worldwide_Community_of_the_New_Message_from_God.html Being a Person of the New Message: How We Live]
+
*''The Worldwide Community of God’s New Message'':[https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-2/the-worldwide-community-of-gods-new-message/being-a-person-of-the-new-message Being a Person of the New Message]
  
*[http://www.newknowledgelibrary.org/products/Taking-the-Steps-to-Knowledge.html Taking the Steps to Knowledge]
+
*[http://www.newmessage.org/taking-the-steps-to-knowledge Taking the Steps to Knowledge]
==See also==
 
[[Spiritual practice]]
 
  
[[Recommendations for People Everywhere]]
+
*[http://www.newmessage.org/the-message/other-revelations/deepening-your-spiritual-practice Deepening Your Spiritual Practice (November 1, 2008)]
  
[[Guidelines for Living the New Message]]
+
*The November 15, 2020, session of the 2020 Summit: [https://www.community.newmessage.org/2020-summit-building-your-meditation-practice/#transcript Building Your Meditation Practice] (registration required)
  
[[Stillness]]
+
*[https://www.community.newmessage.org/forums/topic/mapping-the-mind/ "Mapping the Mind" discussion] on the Worldwide Community of the New Message from God website (registration required)
  
[[The Great Practices]]
 
  
[[Advocacy]]
+
[[category:practice]]

Latest revision as of 02:36, 23 May 2022

The Practices of The Greater Community Way of Knowledge

"We give only so much methodology as is necessary to aim your mind in the proper direction." [1]

"Your practice is a gift to the world, for it gives that which you are affirming within yourself." [2]

"You will find that regardless of your circumstances, there will be a way for you to practice." [3]

Directives

"There are specific activities that can be called spiritual practices, but for them to be truly effective and to be truly meaningful, they must be integrated with a more complete approach." [4]

"You must proceed every day. Carry on your practice every day. Reinforce your allegiance to Knowledge every day. Learn to be tolerant and compassionate of others every day. Learn to be tolerant and compassionate with yourself every day. And hold fast to those things you most deeply know, for they are the bricks of your foundation." [5]

"Carry forth that which you need to do to deepen your practice, to utilize your practice, to utilize your experience in the world for practice, to carry your practice into the world and to allow your world to support your practice. Do not neglect this, for if you neglect this, you but neglect yourself, your certainty, your fulfillment and your happiness." [6]

The formal practices of discipline in the Way of Knowledge

The Great Practices

Step practice

"In taking the steps to Knowledge, you learn how to still the mind, how to listen within yourself and how to discern the voice and the movement of Knowledge from all the other voices in your mind—the voice of your parents, the voice of your teachers, the voice of your culture, the voice of your friends, the voice of your fear, the voice of your desire, the voice of your self-doubt, the voice of your self-criticism—all these other voices that reside within you. And then there is Knowledge."[7]

Stillness

"In learning how to still the mind, you must have a focus, you must be in a quiet place, you must be sitting comfortably, and you must have a passive attitude. Four things are required here. Your passive attitude means you are not aggressively trying to make something happen, or to solve problems, or to engage in other kinds of mental activities. You are just there, in a relaxed manner."[8]

"The New Message recommends choosing a single-syllable word, a simple word that you will be uttering as you breathe on the exhale, possibly, something like the word “one”, the word “Rahn” from the New Message. Ideally this word wouldn’t have a lot of meaning for you, doesn’t provoke imagery or association. It’s just like the pebble that’s going to be dropped in the pond okay. That’s all it is. It’s something your mind will, in a way, attach to and hopefully stay with until the pebble just disappears, and you just keep going. And if your mind wanders, you just bring it back to this meaningless simple word; that’s all you do. You just gently bring it back."[9]

Hourly practice

"Observe your world without judgment and observe what you are doing in the world without judgment. Then feel if anything needs to be done. Again, your hourly practices take but minutes, and as you practice, they will become more swift, more keen and more effective." [10]

Invocative Language

"Enter into stillness using the word RAHN to take you deep into meditation." [11]

"Upon each exhale, speak the word RAHN. RAHN. RAHN. You only need speak the word RAHN upon the exhale in your meditation. Let this be your total focus. This word will serve to stimulate Ancient Knowledge within you and give you the strength that you most need at this time." [12]

The Great Practices

Contemplation

"Actively engage your mind in thinking about this. Let your mind be a useful instrument of investigation. Once again review all your ideas and beliefs that are associated with today’s idea." [13]

Steps Review

"Beginning with the first day in this two-week period, read the lesson for that day and remember your practice. Continue on in this way to cover all the days in this two-week period, and then attempt to have an overview of your life during this practice time. Begin to see what has occurred in your life in this two-week period." [14]

Four-pillar review

"Turn to your Four Pillars Review, once again checking, checking, and checking again to see if there is anything that you need to know, if there is anything that is amiss that requires your attention. Look and see if anything is producing consistent discomfort--any relationship or any activity that constantly reminds you that there is a problem or a conflict. Pay special attention should you find this during your Review." [15]

Active practice in the world

Active practice: a particular spiritual practice of your choice undertaken while engaging with your daily activities out in the world, versus the formal practice of meditation, Steps to Knowledge, or a focused contemplation.[16]

Advocacy

"Return to stillness and silence so that you may strengthen your ability to cultivate and prepare yourself to be an emissary of Knowledge in the world. This is your responsibility today." [17]

"In your deeper practices in stillness today, recognize that you have a responsibility to cultivate your faculties of mind as a student of Knowledge. Exercise these responsibilities and do not drift away into imagination. Engage yourself as a student of Knowledge according to the requirements of your preparation, for you are now becoming a person of responsibility and a person of power." [18]

Community

"In your deeper practices in stillness, receive the benefit of all who practice with you. Remind yourself that you are not alone and that their rewards are given to you as your rewards are given to them. Thus, you share in your accomplishments together. The power of your undertaking is so tremendously supported by the endeavor and the giving of others that it far exceeds your own abilities. When this is realized, it will give you all manner of encouragement and will banish forever the idea that you are inadequate to the tasks that are given to you. For your giving is supplemented by the giving of others, and this represents the Will of God in the universe."[19]

"Repeat today's idea upon the hour and realize that it is an affirmation of your strength and inclusion in life. In your deeper meditations allow yourself to re-enter the stillness of your sanctuary of Knowledge where it will become evident that you are not alone. Here you are in true marriage with life and in true union with those who have come to serve you and guide you and with those who practice with you now."[20]

"Today's lesson" ... "holds the key to understanding human relationships. A great deal can be revealed to you if you spend time considering the meaning of today's practice."[21]

The Great Practices

Deep evaluation

"The great evaluation begins with taking stock of where you are now—how you spend your time, your energy, your focus and your interests. Where is your life being given away? What is it being focused upon? Where is it being assigned? You only have so much energy in the day, so much time in the day, so much space within your mind to consider things. Where is that all going now? What are you doing? Who are you with? What are your priorities? Where are you gaining energy in your life, and where are you losing it? And to whom are you losing it, and to what are you losing it? Where do you feel certainty, and where do you feel uncertain? What relationships are you in now that give you a sense of certainty and direction? And which relationships cloud that certainty or obstruct it completely?"[22]

Inner listening

"When you are out in the world, listen within yourself. Watch the world and listen within yourself. This is a practice you can do almost anywhere. " [23]

Listening to others

"If people would listen to each other, really, without simply reacting, you would have far less misunderstanding, far less violence and far less conflict in the world today. This is a fundamental skill. You must see beyond your judgments and your reactions. You must gain a greater control over your mind, or you will not be able to see, hear and know the truth about anything." [24]

The Watchtower

"Look at the world. Listen for its signs. Learn what it is teaching you and telling you about what is coming."[25]

Study practices

"With regard to these revelations, there's a number of ways to begin to engage with them. Initially, there's the experience, perhaps, of just listening, just being like a blank, white sheet of paper and allowing the revelation to strike you. Just like that, just see what strikes you and what drops to the floor that you have to pick up and look at, so to speak. That's one approach.

Another is, you can listen to the revelation and read it at the same time. Listen to the Voice, read the words. That's another approach.

Another approach is to read and recite aloud the revelation, to hear yourself respeak the words in your own voice. That's an important process to engage in."[26]

"Out in nature, read a paragraph, be with it, keep moving, stop and read another."[27]

Mapping a revelation

"Some questions or criteria that I listen for in these revelations. These are wisdoms that are being communicated. These are admonitions that are being communicated. And I need to hear them. I need to hear them. I need to realize these questions are being posed either to me or to the world:

What must I do? / What must I not do?
What is the revelation asking of me?
What are the specific teachings presented in this revelation?
What are the promises or possibilities spoken of in this particular revelation?"

[28]

Deep Reading of a Revelation

"Read one verse, stop and each be with the actual meaning of this verse, and then move on. It takes about two hours, but is like a slow journey through meaning, not just a jog through words and ideas."[27]

Mind-mapping

"'Self Knowledge' work ... comprises the other side of the 'Knowledge Coin.' This two sided coin consists of the 'Knowledge-Knowing' side of the coin and the 'Self Knowledge-Self Knowing' side of the coin. I encourage us all to engage in the practice of taking inventory of our minds, with the simple model of noting the

  • higher order,
  • mid order and
  • lower order tendencies,
  • activities and thought tendencies of our minds.

In the Mental Environment context and on a Self Knowledge level, it is important to be aware of the state and condition of our own minds, especially if someone earnestly asks us “Where are you at?” or “Where you are coming from regarding_____?' we are then in a greater position to respond honestly, if we have been engaging with this important mind-mapping practice. In a mission-based environment, there isn’t the time or resources to expend being confused or befuddled regarding yourself or others. To be able to account for yourself as needed, and if asked, keeps the focus where it needs to be, which is on the core mission. The New Message calls to us to 'do the work.' This is one approach to 'doing the work.'"[29]

"Mind Management can be a major element in our Pillar of Spiritual Development. Our Mind is such a powerful resource if managed. There is great work to be done in just watching, knowing and redirecting the tendencies or activities of our mind, possible examples:

Higher Order Tendencies
Experiencing/Practicing the Presence
Being still or quiet
Watching the world and oneself
Be connected to the environment
Meditative deeper mind states
Being present to another
Studenthood practices
Mid Order Tendencies
Absorbed in Focused Work
Getting things done
Problem solving – figuring things out
Acknowledging and being with your Self Talk--acknowledging what you hear yourself saying
Lower Order Tendencies
Complaint
Chatter
Distraction
Preoccupation
Being anxious/stressed
Redirection strategies
Stillness in the Moment
Hourly Check in’s
How am I?
Do I need to be saying/doing this?
Instead of thinking about this, rather I need to think about _____

There’s so many more. What are they??[30]

The Great Practices

References

  1. Steps to Knowledge, Step 185
  2. Steps to Knowledge, Step 149
  3. Steps to Knowledge, Step 62
  4. Living The Way of Knowledge, Chapter 6: The Pillar of Spiritual Development
  5. The Journey to a New Life, Chapter 1: The Awakening
  6. Steps to Knowledge, Step 323
  7. The Great Waves of Change, Chapter 12: Your Purpose and Destiny in a Changing World
  8. Deepening Your Spiritual Practice: Deepening Your Spiritual Practice
  9. Patricia Summers presenting the November 15, 2020, session of the 2020 Summit: Building Your Meditation Practice
  10. Steps to Knowledge, Step 30
  11. Steps to Knowledge, Step 172
  12. Steps to Knowledge, Step 134
  13. Steps to Knowledge, Step 310
  14. Steps to Knowledge, Step 294
  15. Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training, Step 63
  16. The June 2020 Study Plan of the Free School of the New Message from God (registration required)
  17. Steps to Knowledge, Step 288
  18. Steps to Knowledge, Step 282
  19. Steps to Knowledge, Step 170
  20. Steps to Knowledge, Step 337
  21. Steps to Knowledge Continuation Training, Step 5
  22. The Great Waves of Change, Chapter 5: The Deep Evaluation
  23. Deepening Your Spiritual Practice (November 1, 2008)
  24. The Great Practices, The Watchtower
  25. The Great Waves of Change, Chapter 4: The Freedom to Move with Knowledge
  26. Patricia Summers on Deep Reading and Deep Listening, beginning at 11:30. (registration required)
  27. 27.0 27.1 Reed Summers on the Free School Campfire Chat, May 2, 2020 (registration required)
  28. These are just a few of the questions that Patricia Summers uses. More are given in the Free School archives from June 2020, Deep Reading and Deep Listening starting at 12:45.(registration required)These questions are also archived on the Campfire Chat transcript from May 2, 2020(registration required)
  29. Patricia Summers gave more details about her engagement with this topic at the November 18, 2020 Summit session on Working with the Mind (registration required)
  30. Patricia Summers on the May 21, 2022, Campfire Chat

See also

Steps to Knowledge: How to Work with Steps

Advocacy

Contemplation

The Deep Evaluation

The Four Pillars of life

Inner listening

Guidelines for Living the New Message

Invocative Language

Practices to release

Practices to strengthen

Recommendations for People Everywhere

Short Quotes About Relationships

Spiritual practice

Step practice

Steps Review

Stillness

The Great Practices

Further study